Vaishno Devi is one of the most popular pilgrim centers in India; the holy temple of Mata Vaishno Devi is set on the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir. Vaishno Devi Temple is visited by millions of pilgrims every year. Vaishno Devi is a reflection of the Mother Goddess Mahalakshmi. Vaishno Devi Mandir is located in Katra. 42 km from the city of Jammu. Katra serves as the base camp for devotees who visit Vaishno Devi.
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How to Reach Vaishno Devi?
For Vaishno Devi Yatra there are many ways of travel from all over India. As Katra has good connectivity by all the transport options.
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How to reach Vaishno Devi by Air?
If you want to go by Air you can take the flight to Jammu. Jammu Airport is well connected to all major Indian airports. Jammu Airport is just 50 kilometers from Katra. From the Airport, you can easily get taxis and cabs to Katra and from there you can start your Blissful Vaishno Devi Yatra.
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How to reach Vaishno Devi by Train?
If you prefer to train for Vaishno Devi Yatra, Katra is the nearest Railway Station to Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir. There are several direct trains from major cities to Katra.
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How to reach Vaishno Devi by Bus?
Several Jammu & Kashmir State Transport buses, as well as private buses, operates between Jammu and Katra. You can also book your bus tickets in advance to avoid the rush at the last moment.
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How to reach Vaishno Devi by Taxi?
If you wish to travel with the privacy you can hire a taxi from your city to Katra. Katra is well connected with the road with major national and state highways.
Best Time to Visit Mata Vaishno Devi
The Vaishno Devi shrine is open throughout the year, while both Navratras of the year being the peak season. For a comfortable and enjoyable trek, visit Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir between March and October when the weather is cool and pleasant in Jammu. For those who can love the cold and want to enjoy snowfall during the Yatra, winter months can make the Yatra experience even more charming and memorable.
Where to stay in Vaishno Devi?
For affordable Vaishno Devi Yatra, the shrine board provides rent-free and cost-effective accommodation to pilgrims at Jammu, Katra and also on the way of Vaishno Devi track. Stays are also available near Adhkuwari, Sanjhichat which are the most common places to stay during Vaishno Devi Yatra.
Stop at Sanjichhat
Sanjichhat is a beautiful and also very popular spot located at 3.25 km from Ardhkuwari mandir. You can witness of a panoramic view of the valley and snow covered peak of Himalayas. Sanjichhat is the highest point on the old route and end point to the uphill climb. To reach the Vaishno Devi Temple premise, pilgrims have to walk downhill from Sanjichhat.
Things to do during Vaishno Devi Yatra
Once you reached Vaishno Devi Dham you can feel the grace of Mata Rani in the depth of your soul. This yatra will give you a perfect balance of religious solace and inner peace. There are lot many things which can give you lifetime memory during this trip
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Don’t stop yourself from chanting “Jai Mata Di”
On the trek of Mata Vaishno Devi from basecamp don’t shy from joining pilgrims and shout “Jai Mata Di”. These chants and slogans will give you energy and keep you enthusiastic throughout the trek. -
Pay your tributes to Ardhkuwari Mandir
Ardh Kuwari Mandir/Cave is located midway on the old route to the Mata Rani Bhawan. This temple has a narrow cave which is popular for its religious significance, and also as a stop for devotees. You need to crawl on the knees to get to the other side of the cave where the main shrine of the goddesses is located. According to a belief, Mata Vaishnodevi lived here while she was hiding from Bhairav Nath for 9 months.
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Do not miss the rising Sun!
To take a beautiful rising Sun view, start your journey to the temple late in the evenings, so that you will be out of the temple by early morning. After taking blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi while going downhill in the morning do not forget to stop and enjoy rising Sun. The Rising Sun from the mountains clasp the entire valley in its sunshine it will leave you mesmerized.
Tips for Vaishno Devi Yatra
- Avoid peak season rush for a comfortable and peaceful Devi Darshan. Check the official website of the Vaishno Devi shrine board for the number of pilgrims visiting at any given time.
- The Holly Yatra Access Slip must be obtained by all visitors, and it is available at the Registration Counter at Katra.
- It is advisable to carry heavy woolen clothes for winters and light woolens for the summer season.
- Comfortable walking shoes or slippers are a must for the Yatra.
- Common facilities like blanket stores, medical help, and postal services are available at the Bhawan for the convenience of pilgrims.
- Prasad is available at the Bhawan so you don’t need to carry it all the way from Katra.
- Battery operated autos are available for senior citizens during the day.
- You need to cross the first check post of Banganga within 6 hrs of issuing the Yatra Slip.
